Eric Joyce: Former Labour MP avoids jail after attack on two teenagers in north London shop

Former MP: Eric Joyce was convicted of common assault (Picture: PA) PA

Former MP Eric Joyce today escaped prison for his “unjustified and unprovoked” attack on two teenagers in a north London shop.

The ex-Labour MP for Falkirk, 54, had attacked the boys, aged 14 and 15, at News and Food Express in Chalk Farm last October.

CCTV showed how Joyce had knocked the 15-year-old to the floor and wrestled with him while striking his younger friend, who tried to intervene. When police officers arrived Joyce claimed he had been trying to perform a citizen’s arrest as one of the boys had been aggressive.

He was convicted of common assault at Westminster magistrates’ court this month.

Today District Judge John Zani said: “I’m just able in all the circumstances to suspend the term.”

He said Joyce had shown “not much” remorse and has convictions for assault but had dealt with past drink problems. He imposed a ten-week sentence, suspended for two years, 120 hours of unpaid work and entry into a rehabilitation scheme.

The ex-MP, who was kicked out of the Labour party after a drunken attack in the Commons bar, was ordered to pay £1,080 in costs, compensation and a victim surcharge. Outside court he said the sentence “was a fair outcome” and insisted he had shown remorse.